| Upside-down catfish | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Siluriformes |
| Family: | Mochokidae |
| Genus: | Synodontis |
| Species: | S. nigriventis |
| Binomial name | |
| Synodontis nigriventris David, 1936 |
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Upside-down catfish, Synodontis nigriventris, is a species of catfish. It is particularly noteworthy because of its habit of swimming upside down most of the time. Upside-down catfish originate from the Central Congo basin of Africa.[1]
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Upside-down catfish are small, reaching a maximum of 9.6 centimetres (4 in).[1] Like other members of the mochikidae family, they have large eyes, a large dorsal fin and three pair of barbels. Upside-down catfish are adapted to spend most of their time upside-down. This is reflected in the fish's pigmentation—their bellies are darker than their backs, a form of countershading.[2]
These fish are mostly nocturnal, and feed on insects, crustaceans, and plant matter.[1] These fish lay eggs.[1] The young fish do not swim upside-down until they are about two months old.[3]
The upside-down catfish is well suited to aquariums because of its small size (typically 9 or 10 cm or less) and peaceful demeanor.[2] They should be kept in schools of 3 minimum for best effect. They should be fed a variety of good quality flake food, tablet food, frozen bloodworm and livefood as daphnia. Provide caves or ledges to them to loaf in.